> Complete documentation index: [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs.

# Binho Nova

> First-generation multi-protocol USB host adapter (I2C, SPI, UART, 1-Wire), 3.3 V logic

<figure class="product-photo"><img src="/files/binho-nova.jpg" alt="Binho Nova host adapter"><figcaption><p>Binho Nova host adapter.</p></figcaption></figure>

**In this guide:** [Setup](/hardware/nova/setup/) · [Hardware reference](/hardware/nova/reference/) · [Protocols](/hardware/nova/protocols/) · [Firmware](/hardware/nova/firmware/) · [FAQ](/hardware/nova/faq/) · [Troubleshooting](/hardware/nova/troubleshooting/)

:::note
**The Nova is Binho's first-generation adapter.** It is still [sold on binho.io](https://binho.io/test-measurement/products/binho-nova/) and supported. It uses its own software: [Mission Control 2](/software/legacy/mission-control-2/) and the `binho` Python package. Mission Control 3, PyCosmicSDK and CosmicSDK work with the [Supernova](/hardware/supernova/) and the [Pulsar](/hardware/pulsar/), not the Nova.

:::

## Summary

The Nova connects the computer to I2C, SPI, UART and 1-Wire devices at 3.3 V. It is powered from USB and can power a small target from its 3V3 and VUSB pins.

It has 5 signal pins. Each pin can be a digital input or output, a PWM output, an interrupt input (rising, falling or both edges), an analog input, or the analog output. While a bus uses some pins, the remaining pins keep their other functions, for example as chip selects or interrupts.

Typical uses: firmware development, driver bring-up, automated hardware and firmware tests, and EEPROM, Flash or FRAM programming.

## Choose the Right Adapter

| Need                                                     | Adapter                                     |
| -------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| One protocol at a time, 3.3 V logic, USB Full Speed      | Nova                                        |
| Logic levels from 1.2 V to 3.3 V, target modes, RS-485, CAN-FD, USB High Speed | [Pulsar](/hardware/pulsar/)    |
| I3C (SDR, HDR-DDR, 0.8–3.3 V), alongside I2C, SPI and UART | [Supernova](/hardware/supernova/)           |

To compare it with the current adapters, see the [Hardware Comparison Table](/hardware/comparison/).

## Software

| Software          | Use it for                                  | Get it                                                                 |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Mission Control 2 | Click-driven transactions, no code          | [Mission Control 2](/software/legacy/mission-control-2/), latest release 2.17.5 |
| Nova SDK (`binho` package) | Scripts, test automation, `binho` command line | `pip install binho` ([PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/binho/)), see [Nova SDK](/software/legacy/nova-sdk/) |

The older `binho-host-adapter` package (0.1.6, 2020) still installs, but new scripts should use `binho`.

## In the Box

* Binho Nova USB host adapter
* Breadboard breakout adapter
* USB Type-C to Type-A cable, 1 foot
* Soft-shell zippered case

## ASCII Command Set

Nova's native command protocol is human-readable and driveable straight from a
serial terminal: useful for debugging, evaluation, and proof-of-concept work
without writing any code. Nova implements this command set in full; Supernova and
Pulsar emulate a subset of it in Nova Compatibility Mode. The shared reference is
here:

* [ASCII Command Set](/hardware/nova/ascii-command-set/)